[Warning this is sarcasm.] Life is so simple when beliefs are solid as mountains, permanent and unmovable. Proving any belief to be true is quite easy; all ideas have some element of truth. Find facts that support “the truth”, and you are set for life. There’s no need to feel doubt or confusion. Only weak minded people are easily persuaded and change their minds. Clarity and consistency are the pillars of leadership.

Here is the fourth wisdom of doing the opposite, Principle IV, “Stand firm for your beliefs, never abandon your truth”. (Formally known as “hold these values dear, in all else be flexible.” See Principles here).

Here are some fortifying slogans to keep handy: “There is nothing new under the sun"; "the more things change the more they stay the same", and "we have been very successful doing X, we are not about to change now.” Stability makes life beautiful, most of the time, except for pesky exceptions.

Of course, sometimes one must bend the rules, walk the line, go into gray areas, or tell a white lie for the good of the cause. If someone is starving, he may abandon his value not to steal; who can blame the poor man, right? So values are nice to have, they are ideals, not to be taken literally. Only a fool is always honest. This is business, right? Sometimes one has to play a little loose and rough.

Another annoying exception takes great strength to bear. The longer things remain the same, the less effective some actions become. But, work is work, right? And if something worked before, remember, it should and must work again. Perhaps the execution is off. Everyone knows that people can always reach inside and give more effort, double their commitment. If people are not suffering, they are not really working. Those who want results easily are weak and soft. Fruits grown in the rich soil of hardship taste sweetest.

Sure it can be frustrating at times to try and try without success, but winners never change beliefs or change course.

Keywords: corporate culture, culture organizational, culture flexibility, culture change, change leadership, engaging change

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Michael Cushman, The Engaging Guru, wants you to master enrolling others in your truth, get the goodies of life, and change the world.  www.engagingchange.com